Source 1review2026MED
Toolkit/Low-intensity focused ultrasound
Low-intensity focused ultrasound
Also known as: focused ultrasound, LIFU, LIFUP, LI-FUS, LIFUS, transcranial focused ultrasound
Taxonomy: Technique Branch / Method. Workflows sit above the mechanism and technique branches rather than replacing them.
Summary
Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has become increasingly used in neuromodulation.
Usefulness & Problems
No literature-backed usefulness or problem-fit explainer has been materialized for this record yet.
Published Workflows
Objective: Review and synthesize the technical evolution, mechanistic regimes, and therapeutic applications of focused ultrasound in glioblastoma across preclinical and clinical studies.
Why it works: The review is structured to capture how FUS parameter tuning and intensity subtypes map onto distinct biological mechanisms and therapeutic applications in GBM, allowing comparison across preclinical and clinical evidence.
thermal bioeffectsmechanical bioeffectsimmunomodulationbarrier permeability modulationcell deathcomprehensive literature reviewstudy inclusion based on defined FUS parameters and biological endpoints
Stages
- 1.Literature search(broad_screen)
This stage casts a broad net to collect the available FUS literature relevant to glioblastoma before applying inclusion criteria.
Selection: Studies were identified using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for preclinical and clinical FUS studies in GBM.
- 2.Eligibility filtering(selection)
This stage narrows the literature to studies that are interpretable for mechanistic and translational analysis because they report defined FUS parameters and biological endpoints.
Selection: Articles were included if they discussed FUS mechanisms, bioeffects, or combinatory approaches and had defined FUS parameters and biological endpoints.
Steps
- 1.Search PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for GBM-focused FUS studies
Identify preclinical and clinical studies utilizing focused ultrasound in the context of glioblastoma.
A broad search is required before any eligibility filtering can be applied.
- 2.Apply inclusion criteria based on mechanisms, bioeffects, combination approaches, and defined endpoints
Retain studies that are relevant to FUS mechanisms and applications in GBM and that report defined FUS parameters and biological endpoints.
Filtering follows the broad search so the review can focus on interpretable and decision-relevant studies.
Objective: Conduct a scoping review of mechanistic effects of LIFU on nervous system tissue.
Why it works: The review narrows a large literature set through staged screening so that only studies relevant to LIFU neuromodulation mechanisms are included in the final synthesis.
ion channel activationchanges in neurotransmissiongene expression pathway changesdatabase literature searchtitle screeningabstract reviewfull-text review
Stages
- 1.Database literature retrieval(in_silico_filter)
To assemble a broad candidate set of literature relevant to LIFU and neuromodulation before manual screening.
Selection: Articles retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science using keywords related to LIFU and neuromodulation.
- 2.Title screening(decision_gate)
Selection: Titles were screened by two authors with conflicts resolved by one author.
- 3.Abstract review(decision_gate)
Selection: Abstract-level review for relevance to LIFU neuromodulation effects and mechanisms.
- 4.Full-text review and final inclusion(confirmatory_validation)
Selection: Full-text review leading to final inclusion in the manuscript.
Steps
- 1.Search PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science with LIFU and neuromodulation keywords
Generate a broad initial corpus of potentially relevant literature.
A comprehensive search is needed before any relevance-based narrowing can occur.
- 2.Screen titles and resolve reviewer conflicts
Remove clearly irrelevant articles while preserving reviewer consistency.
Title screening is a lower-cost first pass before abstract and full-text review.
- 3.Review abstracts for relevance
Refine the candidate set using more detailed study summaries.
Abstracts provide more information than titles and allow more accurate narrowing before full-text review.
- 4.Review full texts and select final included studies
Confirm final study inclusion for the mechanistic synthesis.
Full-text review is the highest-fidelity stage for determining whether studies meet inclusion needs.
Objective: Synthesize and compare efficacy, safety, and stimulation-parameter evidence across non-invasive neuromodulation modalities for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Why it works: The protocol uses a consistent review process across all relevant non-invasive brain and nerve stimulation methods so that results can be rigorously compared and pooled. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses are included to investigate heterogeneity, parameter optimization, and robustness.
database searchingindependent study screeningdata extractionrisk-of-bias assessmentmeta-analysissubgroup analysissensitivity analysis
Stages
- 1.Literature search across bibliographic databases(in_silico_filter)
To identify the body of eligible literature across multiple databases before screening and synthesis.
Selection: Studies investigating efficacy and safety of non-invasive nerve and brain stimulation techniques for management of drug-resistant epilepsy.
- 2.Independent study screening(broad_screen)
To filter search results to relevant studies using independent reviewers.
Selection: Relevant studies identified from database searches.
- 3.Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment(functional_characterization)
To collect outcome data and assess study quality before quantitative synthesis.
Selection: Screened-in relevant studies.
- 4.Meta-analysis of primary outcome(confirmatory_validation)
To quantitatively assess the primary efficacy outcome across included studies.
Selection: Extracted primary outcome data on seizure reduction.
- 5.Subgroup analysis for heterogeneity and protocol settings(secondary_characterization)
To investigate why results differ across studies and to identify optimal stimulation parameters for each intervention where possible.
Selection: Included studies and pooled outcome data.
- 6.Sensitivity analysis for robustness(decision_gate)
To test whether the synthesized results remain stable under alternative analytical assumptions or study subsets.
Selection: Meta-analytic and subgroup-analysis results.
Steps
- 1.Search bibliographic databases for relevant DRE neuromodulation studies
Identify studies on efficacy and safety of non-invasive nerve and brain stimulation techniques for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Relevant literature must be assembled before screening, extraction, and synthesis can occur.
- 2.Independently screen retrieved studies in Covidence
Determine which retrieved studies are relevant for inclusion.
Screening follows retrieval so irrelevant records can be removed before detailed extraction.
- 3.Resolve screening discrepancies with a third reviewer
Adjudicate disagreements in study selection.
Discrepancy resolution is needed after independent screening and before final inclusion decisions.
- 4.Extract study data and assess risk of bias
Collect outcome and study-quality information needed for synthesis.
Quantitative synthesis depends on having extracted outcomes and quality assessments from included studies.
- 5.Perform meta-analysis on seizure reduction outcomes
Quantitatively assess the primary efficacy outcome across included studies.
Meta-analysis follows data extraction because pooled estimates require harmonized outcome data.
- 6.Run subgroup analyses to examine heterogeneity and optimal settings
Identify potential sources of heterogeneity and optimal protocol settings for each intervention.
Subgroup analysis is performed after pooled analysis so differences across studies and parameter regimes can be interpreted in context of overall results.
- 7.Conduct sensitivity analyses to test robustness
Evaluate how robust the synthesized results are.
Robustness testing follows the main and subgroup analyses so conclusions can be checked before final interpretation.
Objective: Determine feasibility and optimize the protocol for a subsequent definitive clinical trial while monitoring related complications of low-intensity focused ultrasound for knee osteoarthritis pain.
Why it works: The study uses a randomized, masked, sham-controlled pilot design to assess whether the intervention can be feasibly delivered and monitored in patients while reducing bias during early clinical evaluation.
neuromodulationreversible prevention of action potential formationrandomized sham-controlled pilot clinical testingobserver and participant masking
Objective: Test whether low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation of the spinal cord can regulate mean arterial pressure and whether the effect depends on spinal level and stimulation duration.
Why it works: The study tests whether applying focused acoustic energy to specific spinal cord regions can produce location-dependent changes in mean arterial pressure, with duration comparisons used to identify more effective stimulation conditions.
segment-dependent spinal neuromodulation affecting blood pressurelow-intensity focused ultrasound stimulationphysiological endpoint measurement
Objective: Systematically identify randomized sham-controlled trials of low-intensity ultrasound neuromodulation for major depressive disorder and synthesize efficacy and safety evidence.
Why it works: The review first narrows evidence to randomized sham-controlled trials, then pools depressive symptom change quantitatively while summarizing adverse events narratively. This ordering supports a focused efficacy estimate while retaining safety information even when event reporting may be too sparse or heterogeneous for pooling.
database searchingindependent study screeningdata extractionrandom-effects meta-analysisheterogeneity quantificationnarrative adverse-event synthesis
Stages
- 1.Literature search for eligible randomized sham-controlled LIUN trials(in_silico_filter)
This stage identifies the candidate evidence base before manual screening and synthesis.
Selection: Search multiple bibliographic and trial-registry sources for randomized controlled trials comparing active LIUN versus sham in adults with MDD.
- 2.Independent screening and data extraction(hit_picking)
Independent screening narrows the search results to included studies and prepares structured data for synthesis.
Selection: Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data.
- 3.Quantitative efficacy synthesis(functional_characterization)
This stage estimates overall efficacy across included RCTs while accounting for between-study variation.
Selection: Pool depressive symptom change using a random-effects model and quantify heterogeneity with I².
- 4.Narrative safety synthesis(secondary_characterization)
Safety is assessed alongside efficacy because a clinically useful neuromodulation intervention must also be tolerable.
Selection: Summarize adverse events narratively across included trials.
Objective: Test whether amygdala-targeted low-intensity focused ultrasound selectively modulates amygdala activation during task-based fMRI emotion processing in healthy individuals.
Why it works: The workflow uses a task stated to robustly engage the amygdala, then compares pre- and post-LIFU activation in the amygdala and non-target comparison regions to assess selective target engagement.
modulation of amygdala reactivity during socio-emotional processingtask-based fMRIpre/post within-subject comparisonpaired-samples t-test
Stages
- 1.Baseline task-fMRI measurement(functional_characterization)
This stage establishes the pre-LIFU baseline needed for pre/post comparison.
Selection: Measure baseline activation during an amygdala-engaging task before neuromodulation.
- 2.Amygdala LIFU neuromodulation(functional_characterization)
This stage delivers the intervention whose effect is being tested.
Selection: Apply 10 minutes of LIFU between baseline and repeat imaging.
- 3.Post-LIFU task-fMRI comparison(confirmatory_validation)
This stage tests whether LIFU changed amygdala activation and whether effects were absent in non-target comparison regions.
Selection: Assess pre/post changes in amygdala, fusiform gyrus, and thalamus activation using paired-samples t-tests.
Steps
- 1.Perform pre-LIFU baseline fMRI during EFATassay task
Establish baseline amygdala activation during an emotion-processing task that robustly engages the amygdala.
Baseline imaging must occur before sonication to enable within-subject pre/post comparison.
- 2.Deliver 10 minutes of amygdala LIFU neuromodulationneuromodulation intervention
Apply the ultrasound intervention intended to modulate amygdala activity.
The intervention is placed between baseline and repeat imaging so any acute post-sonication change can be measured.
- 3.Repeat fMRI and compare pre/post regional activation with paired-samples t-tests
Determine whether amygdala activation changed after LIFU and whether non-target comparison regions remained unchanged.
This analysis follows repeat imaging because the study's hypothesis depends on pre/post statistical comparison.
Taxonomy & Function
Primary hierarchy
Technique Branch
Method: A concrete method used to build, optimize, or evolve an engineered system.
Mechanisms
blood-brain barrier openingneuromodulationreactive oxygen species generationthermal ablationTechniques
Functional AssayTarget processes
recombinationInput: Thermal
Validation
Cell-freeBacteriaMammalianMouseHumanTherapeuticIndep. Replication
Supporting Sources
Source 2primary paper2026MED
Source 3primary paper2025PPR
Source 4review2026MED
Source 5primary paper2026MED
Source 6review2025PPR
Source 7primary paper2026MED
Source 8primary paper2025MED
Source 9review2025MED
Source 10review2025MED
Source 11review2025MED
Source 12primary paper2025MED
Source 13review2025MED
Ranked Claims
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound was initially pioneered as a noninvasive thermal ablation modality for essential tremor and has demonstrated durable long-term efficacy.
Clinical applications of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound have expanded to Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and investigational use in dystonia, epilepsy, and brain tumors.
LIFU neuromodulation has been studied in vitro, in preclinical models, and in humans.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound enables precise, non-invasive modulation of neuronal activity and promotes cellular repair and brain plasticity.
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound has evolved into a versatile platform in functional neurosurgery.
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound is an incisionless alternative to deep brain stimulation, radiofrequency ablation, and radiosurgery, with advantages in precision, safety, and patient acceptability.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound-facilitated blood-brain barrier opening can facilitate drug and gene delivery in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and glioblastoma.
LIFU-induced changes can produce localized and distributed effects in brain tissue and behavioral modification, with outcomes depending on stimulation parameters and targeted region.
The supplied payload does not provide enough direct review text to extract experiment-level validation outcomes, quantitative benchmarks, or an ordered engineering workflow.
Most LIFU neuromodulation research focuses on cerebral applications, with some evidence for spinal cord and peripheral nerve neuromodulation.
Dual-target strategies, staged bilateral procedures, adaptive focusing technologies, and integration with immuno- or gene therapies are expanding the therapeutic potential of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound.
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound retains limitations including irreversibility and eligibility constraints due to skull properties.
By targeting specific brain regions, low-intensity focused ultrasound facilitates release of neurotrophic factors, strengthens synaptic connectivity, and modulates molecular and cellular pathways essential for neural recovery.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound enables reversible neuromodulation and transient blood-brain barrier opening.
LIFU can exert both excitatory and inhibitory neuromodulatory effects.
The review summarizes LIFU neuromodulation mechanisms involving ion channel activation, changes in neurotransmission, and certain gene expression pathways.
The mechanisms attributed to low-intensity focused ultrasound support neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and functional integration, leading to cognitive improvements and neuroprotection without causing thermal damage.
Central neuromodulation produced moderate effects for pathological tremor suppression.
Force-controlling strategies showed promising acute effects but their clinical translation remains limited by poor wearability and muscle fatigue.
The review concerns focused ultrasound neuromodulation for psychiatric disorders and includes terminology spanning FUS, LIFU, and neuromodulation.
This scoping review synthesizes psychiatric focused ultrasound studies across multiple disorders including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorder, and schizophrenia.
The reviewed literature indicates safety and efficacy for LIFU neuromodulation, but heterogeneous operating parameters may lead to nuanced differential tissue effects.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound has long-term viability and therapeutic potential for treating brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases and for enhancing brain resilience and cognitive outcomes.
Peripheral neuromodulation has gained clinical traction and several devices are now commercially available.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound enables precise non-invasive modulation of neuronal activity.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) enables precise, non-invasive modulation of neuronal activity
Among the reviewed non-invasive neurostimulation modalities for drug-resistant epilepsy, rTMS and tDCS have the strongest evidence for effectiveness.
Placebo mechanisms and stimulation context influence therapeutic effects of non-invasive cingulate neuromodulation for pain.
We also explore the influence of placebo mechanisms and stimulation context on therapeutic effects.
The review found insufficient data to determine effect sizes for tACS, LI-FUS, and TNS in drug-resistant epilepsy.
The mechanisms attributed to LIFUS support neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and functional integration, with associated cognitive improvement and neuroprotection without thermal damage.
These mechanisms collectively support neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and functional integration, leading to cognitive improvements and neuroprotection without causing thermal damage.
The current randomized evidence base for low-intensity ultrasound neuromodulation in major depressive disorder is preliminary and insufficiently standardized, requiring larger parameter-standardized trials and long-term safety assessment.
However, the small number of heterogeneous trials underscores the need for larger, parameter-standardized RCTs to confirm efficacy, optimize sonication protocols, and establish long-term safety.
The review concludes that studies using LIFU to treat depression and anxiety remain at a preliminary stage.
The studies using LIFU to treat depression and anxiety remain in the preliminary stage.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that delivers mechanical forces to a deep location through acoustic pressure waves without affecting tissue between the transducer and focal target.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that delivers mechanical forces to a deep location within the body through acoustic pressure waves without affecting tissue between the transducer and focal target.
Targeted LIFUS facilitates release of neurotrophic factors, strengthens synaptic connectivity, and modulates molecular and cellular pathways important for neural recovery.
By targeting specific brain regions, LIFUS facilitates the release of neurotrophic factors, strengthens synaptic connectivity, and modulates molecular and cellular pathways essential for neural recovery.
Focused ultrasound may alleviate neuropathic pain through thermal, mechanical, and neuromodulatory pathways, including modulation of inhibitory neurotransmission, suppression of neuroinflammation, and regulation of ionic homeostasis.
The review reports that after LIFU treatment, animal studies found restoration of BDNF and 5-HT and studies reported modulation of functional connectivity between key brain areas related to depression and anxiety.
Key molecules such as BDNF/5-HT are found restored in animal models, and FC between key brain areas related to depression/anxiety is modulated after LIFU treatment.
The review concludes that the mechanisms underlying LIFU mood effects remain incompletely understood, including possible roles for regional activation or inhibition, circuit effects, anti-inflammatory effects, functional connectivity changes, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter levels, and BDNF.
The mechanisms underlying LIFU's mood effects-such as activation or inhibition of specific brain regions or neural circuits, anti-inflammatory effects, alterations in functional connectivity, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter levels, and BDNF-remain incompletely understood and warrant further investigation.
Across three randomized sham-controlled trials in adults with major depressive disorder, low-intensity ultrasound neuromodulation produced a small-to-moderate reduction in depressive symptoms versus sham.
LIUN yielded a small-to-moderate reduction in depressive symptoms compared to sham (SMD = –0.55; 95 % CI: − 1.07 to − 0.02; p = 0.04). Between-stud heterogeneity was low (I² = 23 %).
95% confidence interval lower bound -1.0795% confidence interval upper bound -0.02completers 68I squared 23 %p value 0.04randomized participants 78standardized mean difference -0.55
In the review meta-analysis, rTMS was associated with a pooled mean seizure-frequency change of -30.2% and a responder rate of 38% at end of follow-up.
95% confidence interval [-49.6, -10.7%]95% confidence interval [24, 51%]pooled mean change in seizure frequency -30.2 %responder rate 38 %
In the review meta-analysis, tDCS was associated with a pooled mean seizure-frequency change of -46.9% and a responder rate of 49% at end of follow-up.
95% confidence interval [-66.6, -27.3%]95% confidence interval [32, 66%]pooled mean change in seizure frequency -46.9 %responder rate 49 %
In the review meta-analysis, tVNS was associated with a pooled mean seizure-frequency change of -49.2% and a responder rate of 29% at end of follow-up.
95% confidence interval [-86.7, -11.8%]95% confidence interval [7, 50%]pooled mean change in seizure frequency -49.2 %responder rate 29 %
The review reported a responder rate of 42% for TNS, but effect-size estimation was limited by inadequate data.
95% confidence interval [24, 60%]responder rate 42 %
Different non-invasive neuromodulatory methods have distinct strengths and limitations for accessing deep midline cingulate structures, and technique-specific and target-specific effects influence analgesic outcomes.
We compare the strengths and limitations of the different non-invasive neuromodulatory methods for accessing these deep midline structures and examine how technique-specific and target-specific effects influence analgesic outcomes.
Before this study, the modality had not been used in patients with existing pain.
but the modality has not been used in patients with existing pain
Preliminary studies in healthy volunteers suggest focused ultrasound reversibly prevents action potential formation similar to a local anesthetic nerve block.
Preliminary studies involving healthy volunteers suggest focused ultrasound reversibly prevents action potential formation similar to a local anesthetic nerve block
A secondary aim of the planned review is to identify optimal stimulation parameters for each intervention where possible to inform future clinical trial protocols and clinical applications.
The study's secondary aim will be to identify optimal stimulation parameters to better inform future clinical trial protocols and to maximise treatment efficacy in clinical applications.
The planned systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate efficacy and safety of multiple non-invasive brain and nerve stimulation modalities for drug-resistant epilepsy and compare intervention types where applicable.
The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will investigate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), low-intensity focused ultrasound (LI-FUS), transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), and trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) for seizure reduction amongst patients diagnosed with DRE, with comparisons also being made between intervention types where applicable.
This review identified 28 preclinical studies of focused ultrasound in animal or cell-based neuropathic pain models.
Adverse events reported for low-intensity ultrasound neuromodulation in the included MDD trials were generally mild and self-limiting.
Adverse events—transient headache, scalp ingling, and skin redness—were generally mild and self-limiting.
The review reports no observed brain tissue damage in animal studies and only mild adverse effects such as dizziness and vomiting in a few human studies.
Notably, no brain tissue damage was observed in animal studies, and only mild adverse effects (such as dizziness and vomiting) were noted in a few human studies.
This randomized pilot study was undertaken to determine feasibility, optimize the protocol for a subsequent definitive clinical trial, and monitor related complications of focused ultrasound when treating knee osteoarthritis pain.
The current randomized pilot study was undertaken to 1) determine the feasibility and optimize the protocol for a subsequent definitive clinical trial; and 2) monitor for related complications of focused ultrasound when treating knee osteoarthritis pain.
Across various nerve injury models, both HIFU and LIFU were associated with behavioral improvements indicative of pain reduction, partial restoration of nerve function, and modulation of inflammatory cytokine profiles.
LIFUS has therapeutic potential for treating brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases and for promoting brain repair and functional recovery.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of LIFUS's effects on brain function, emphasizing its role in neuromodulation, cellular adaptation, and long-term viability for treating brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The discussion covers optimized ultrasound parameters, efficacy in cellular and behavioral models, and its therapeutic potential for brain repair and functional recovery.
Pain-relevant cingulate subregions may be promising therapeutic targets for non-invasive neuromodulation using TMS, TES, and LIFU.
These regions may be promising therapeutic targets using non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), and low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).
The review reports that low-intensity focused ultrasound reversed depressive-like and anxious-like behaviors in animal models and showed antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects in current clinical studies.
Our findings indicate that LIFU reversed the depressive/anxious-like behaviors in the animal models and showed antidepressant/anti-anxiety effects among the state-of-art clinical studies.
Clinical translation of focused ultrasound for neuropathic pain remains uncertain despite encouraging preclinical evidence.
Approval Evidence
17 sources49 linked approval claimsfirst-pass slug low-intensity-focused-ultrasound
Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has become increasingly used in neuromodulation.
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The three considered modalities were... central neuromodulation (... low-intensity focused ultrasound ...)
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These include cryoneurolysis, radiofrequency techniques, photobiomodulation, and low-intensity focused ultrasound.
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PubMed and Springer pages indicate it synthesizes 14 psychiatric FUS studies spanning major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorder, and schizophrenia, and uses keywords including FUS, LIFU, neuromodulation, and psychiatry.
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Beyond lesioning, low-intensity focused ultrasound enables reversible neuromodulation and transient blood-brain barrier opening, facilitating drug and gene delivery in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and glioblastoma.
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Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) enables precise, non-invasive modulation of neuronal activity, promoting cellular repair and brain plasticity.
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Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) facilitates sonodynamic therapy (SDT) through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation mediated by sonosensitizers.
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Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) enables precise, non-invasive modulation of neuronal activity, promoting cellular repair and brain plasticity.
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Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is a form of neuromodulation that offers increased depth of penetrance and improved spatial resolution over other non-invasive techniques.
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Low-intensity ultrasound neuromodulation (LIUN), which includes low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) and transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS)... Three RCTs ... met inclusion criteria—one LIFU trial (Oh et al., 2024)...
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These regions may be promising therapeutic targets using non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), and low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).
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The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will investigate the efficacy of ... low-intensity focused ultrasound (LI-FUS) ... for seizure reduction amongst patients diagnosed with DRE.
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application scopesupports
LIFU neuromodulation has been studied in vitro, in preclinical models, and in humans.
Source:
approach statementsupports
Collectively, these technologies support a mechanism-based, systems-level approach to pain modulation.
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capabilitysupports
Low-intensity focused ultrasound enables precise, non-invasive modulation of neuronal activity and promotes cellular repair and brain plasticity.
Source:
delivery applicationsupports
Low-intensity focused ultrasound-facilitated blood-brain barrier opening can facilitate drug and gene delivery in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and glioblastoma.
Source:
effect scopesupports
LIFU-induced changes can produce localized and distributed effects in brain tissue and behavioral modification, with outcomes depending on stimulation parameters and targeted region.
Source:
evidence boundarysupports
The supplied payload does not provide enough direct review text to extract experiment-level validation outcomes, quantitative benchmarks, or an ordered engineering workflow.
Source:
evidence limitationsupports
Perioperative relevance and the strength of available human evidence vary by nonpharmacologic analgesic modality.
Source:
field distributionsupports
Most LIFU neuromodulation research focuses on cerebral applications, with some evidence for spinal cord and peripheral nerve neuromodulation.
Source:
mechanismsupports
By targeting specific brain regions, low-intensity focused ultrasound facilitates release of neurotrophic factors, strengthens synaptic connectivity, and modulates molecular and cellular pathways essential for neural recovery.
Source:
mechanism or functionsupports
Low-intensity focused ultrasound enables reversible neuromodulation and transient blood-brain barrier opening.
Source:
mechanism summarysupports
LIFU can exert both excitatory and inhibitory neuromodulatory effects.
Source:
mechanism summarysupports
The review summarizes LIFU neuromodulation mechanisms involving ion channel activation, changes in neurotransmission, and certain gene expression pathways.
Source:
outcomesupports
The mechanisms attributed to low-intensity focused ultrasound support neuronal proliferation, differentiation, and functional integration, leading to cognitive improvements and neuroprotection without causing thermal damage.
Source:
performance summarysupports
Central neuromodulation produced moderate effects for pathological tremor suppression.
Source:
review scope summarysupports
The review concerns focused ultrasound neuromodulation for psychiatric disorders and includes terminology spanning FUS, LIFU, and neuromodulation.
Source:
review scope summarysupports
This scoping review synthesizes psychiatric focused ultrasound studies across multiple disorders including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorder, and schizophrenia.
Source:
safety efficacy summarymixed
The reviewed literature indicates safety and efficacy for LIFU neuromodulation, but heterogeneous operating parameters may lead to nuanced differential tissue effects.
Source:
scope statementsupports
The reviewed nonpharmacologic analgesic modalities include cryoneurolysis, radiofrequency techniques, photobiomodulation, and low-intensity focused ultrasound.
Source:
therapeutic potentialsupports
Low-intensity focused ultrasound has long-term viability and therapeutic potential for treating brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases and for enhancing brain resilience and cognitive outcomes.
Source:
application potentialsupports
Focused ultrasound could enable non-pharmacological, spatially targeted control of mean arterial pressure.
FUS could enable non-pharmacological, spatially targeted MAP control, especially for impaired patients.
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Comparisons
No literature-backed comparison notes have been materialized for this record yet.
Ranked Citations
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